Former Vancouver Canuck Hunter Shinkaruk on the move again

It’s still not exactly clear what Markus Granlund is as an NHLer, or what he can maybe become. But it’s hard to argue that the trade he came to Vancouver through wasn’t a good one for the Canucks.

At the time, the deal that sent Hunter Shinkaruk to the Calgary Flames in exchange for the older, less touted Finn seemed a tad suspect.

In hindsight, it was the right call.

The former first-round pick Shinkaruk was sent to the Montreal Canadiens earlier today in exchange for another first-rounder that never quite worked out in Kerby Rychel.

It’s the second “he just needs change of pace” trade Shinkaruk has been involved in. He was also sent through waivers (and went unclaimed) at the start of last season.

In short, he’s looking a lot like a career AHLer—a good one, but one nonetheless.

And again, it’s not known exactly what Granlund is. He scored 19 goals during his first full season with the Canucks in 2016-17, but was used in more of a checking role this season by rookie head coach Travis Green to the tune of 12 points in 53 games.

Checking line or not, those numbers probably aren’t good enough to hold down a regular spot in the NHL.

Regardless, it’s safe to say the Canucks feel pretty good about the trade that got him here battling for one.

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